1) They're always with you
2) Input capabilities are limited so they tend to encourage consumption over creation
3) They run robust software stacks which enable addictive experiences
A general computer sitting on a desk isn't going to be used as often, and when it does get used, it'll be easier to write on. Writing's good for the brain.
A television has really limited input capabilities, it's not healthy to watch TV and the "TV rots your brain" concern predates the Internet. But it isn't as addictive as a mobile device.
A phone or tablet is the worst of both worlds. I've put a fair bit of effort into reducing my time with those devices in recent years, and I think I'm happier and more productive as a result. If I had a kid I think I would do the same with them.
This is an interesting point that I haven't really thought about before. I absolutely hate the trend of moving away from laptops/desktops and towards phones, partly because I much prefer a keyboard and mouse to tapping away at a screen. It'd be hard to quantify but your statement rings true at least from my experience.
> Did you get into computers by intentionally expressing an interest and then having tidbits fed to you by someone? Or did you discover it organically
As a kid in the 70s I discovered it as "monkey see monkey do". Other adults (airforce buddies of my dad) were doing clever shit with them, which obviously impressed and engaged my dad, so I was drawn in.
> interest in something you aren't familiar with, will you let her explore it herself or will everything be filtered through you?
I am a student of Paulo Friere [1] and fan of John Taylor Gatto [2] so I'd find over-controlling pedagogy quite abhorrent. The trick of "Liberation pedagogy" is to open doors to the earliest self-sufficient (auto-didactic) exploration. Unfortunately the unfiltered internet is not a fit place for a 7 year old. At some point I intend to curate a "mini-net", probably a downloaded Wikipedia on localhost.
I wholeheartedly agree. 6 and 9-y-old here. Apps and websites are approve-only, and no YouTube/YTkids.
Something bad happened a few years ago which gave us a big scare.
> each time she expresses an interest I add a python tuple
Did you get into computers by intentionally expressing an interest and then having tidbits fed to you by someone? Or did you discover it organically through full access to libraries and the internet and video games and magazines? When she expresses an interest in something you aren't familiar with, will you let her explore it herself or will everything be filtered through you?
> By 9 I expect her to have mastered a computer by typing, including sending emails to mom and dad etc.
You think she'll be better at typing than kids that are constantly texting and Googling Roblox mods and arguing in YouTube comments?
> retarded monkeys
This has been addressed enough in other comments. But just to give you an example, I was raised without cable TV because my parents didn't have it. But they didn't call my friends retarded, and they didn't care if I watched some with friends or relatives. As a result, I still didn't watch much TV, but I didn't feel guilty when I did and I didn't feel like I had to hide anything from my parents.
I turned out great, and my friends who had a TV in their own bedroom with 1000 channels also turned out great. Access or lack of access to TV has had no discernible impact on anyone I know.